ALBANY — The state Department of Environmental Conservation says there is the potential for unhealthy air quality to return to most of the state Wednesday overnight with thick surface smoke.
The forecast for Tuesday looks to be well within healthy range for much of New York. But with a cold front entering the western part of the state from the northwest Wednesday morning, there is the potential for winds from the front to bring near-surface smoke impacts from the Canadian wildfires.
“As we closely monitor the changing forecast, New Yorkers should be prepared for the potential return of smoke from the Canadian wildfires,” Gov. Kathy Hochul said in a statement Monday. “I encourage everyone to remain vigilant, especially if you are vulnerable to air pollution, stay up to date on the latest information and take steps to protect yourself.”
Times Union air quality map
The state said there is still uncertainty in the forecast. But New Yorkers should be prepared for possible elevated levels of fine particulate pollution Wednesday caused by wildfire smoke. The Departments of Environmental Conservation and Health said they will issue air quality health advisories if necessary by Tuesday afternoon. The advisories are issued when ozone or fine particulate matter is expected to exceed an Air Quality Index value of 100.
In the Albany area, the Air Quality Index was sitting at the healthiest level Monday night, below 50.
The state has not seen significant air quality impacts since smoke from the wildfires made the skies yellow in early June. Then, air quality was at its worst from wildfires in 20 years.
For the latest in the days ahead, check out the Times Union’s online air quality map at https://www.timesunion.com/projects/new-york-air-quality-map/.
To check your location’s current air quality through a government…
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